By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — The Olbiil Era Kelulau on Wednesday passed a revised FY 2026 national budget and sent it to President Surangel Whipps Jr., who is expected to sign it today, averting a second potential government shutdown and the imposition of a 72-hour pay period for civil servants. President Surangel Whipps […]
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“Online Risks Rising for Palau’s Children, Calls Grow for Digital Citizenship in Schools”
By: Summer Kennard Koror, Palau (December 4, 2025)— As children in Palau go online at increasingly younger ages, digital literacy and online safety advocates say the country must urgently strengthen its approach to teaching safe and responsible technology use. In an interview, Joleen Ngoriakl, who leads the Palau Digital Citizenship Initiative, said that while no […]
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From Mangroves to Ancient Corals, Palau’s Youth Find Purpose in Nature
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (December 4, 2025) — “The participants were genuinely taken aback,” said organizer Sylvester Alonz, describing the moment he realized the day’s experience had shifted something in the young Palauans gathered before him. “It reminded me why we do this — to make our youth feel valued.” That sense of purpose […]
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Pacific Secures Key Wins at COP30 as Palau Eyes Bigger Role in 2025 Talks
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau – (December 4, 2025) “It is not a perfect process, but it is the only process that Small Island States can go to and discuss our vulnerability and needs,” Minister Steven Victor said as he welcomed key gains from the COP30 climate summit, calling the outcome “a win for the […]
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Taiwan-Backed Projects Boost Palau’s Infrastructure, But Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Oversight
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (December 4, 2025) — Taiwan’s long-running Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) continues to shape Palau’s infrastructure landscape, with more than $6.28 million in new projects completed this year alone. But as ribbon-cutting ceremonies highlight improvements across the states, lawmakers are again questioning how the annual $10 million grant is allocated […]
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Palau’s Shift to E-Passports Gains Momentum With New Technical Review
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Palau’s transition to electronic passports is moving into its next phase as officials met on Nov. 25 for the Third Steering Committee Meeting to review early findings in the ongoing assessment of the nation’s passport and identification systems. The meeting builds on the Japan-funded, $4.5 million e-passport initiative launched […]